IUM Empowers Changemakers Through the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge
As the world turns its eyes toward the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), to be held in Nice from June 9–13, 2025, Monaco is already making waves. Just weeks before this pivotal event, the Principality has hosted the Grand Finale of the 8th Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge (MOPC) — a international competition rooted in innovation, entrepreneurship, and ocean conservation. At the heart of it all, IUM proudly champions sustainability and ocean protection, preparing the next generation of business leaders to face today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Co-organized by IUM, the Oceanographic Institute, Monaco Impact, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge has become a beacon for sustainable innovation. It brings together students and young entrepreneurs from around the world to propose viable, scalable solutions for protecting our oceans.
The 8th edition, has seen a record-breaking number of applications — 138 teams from 129 universities and 66 nationalities — reflects the Challenge’s rising global profile. This year’s momentum aligns seamlessly with the global attention around the UNOC and its focus on transitioning from extractive marine industries to a regenerative blue economy. The MOPC doesn’t just raise awareness — it mobilizes the private sector, empowering ocean-minded entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and recognition needed to drive change. Finalists gain access to institutional and financial ecosystems that can help scale their ventures, turning ideas into impactful solutions.
The Road to the Grand Finale – May 14, 2025
The culmination of this year’s Challenge takes place on May 14 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, where six finalist teams have pitched their business concepts and start-ups in front of an international jury. The event schedule included a pitch session, an award ceremony and a networking cocktail reception to foster collaboration between innovators, investors, and institutional partners.
Finalist teams hail from India, South Korea, France, Canada, Singapore, and more — a testament to MOPC’s expanding influence. As an additional reward, the winning team will earn a spot at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) — a UNOC special event to be held in Monaco just before the conference in Nice, highlighting the vital intersection of innovation, investment, and sustainability. The Challenge continues to spark real-world change. Former winners like Ittinsect, now rebranded as Ocean Twist Biotechnology, and Innov&Sea, have gone on to secure international partnerships and industry recognition. These stories illustrate MOPC’s role as a launchpad for impactful innovation. This year’s edition also included a “Spotlight on Africa” special award, reaffirming the importance of supporting blue economy solutions on the African continent — one of the regions most poised for ocean-based growth.
Winners of the 2025 Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge
Category 1 – Business Concepts: Cool Equity, offer affordable reusable colling solutions to preserve seafood, reduce waste and protect marine biodiversity and empower coastal communities in the process.
Category 2 – Startups: Rongbient Biotech, offers seaweed-based products that reduce feed additives in shrimp farming, boosting immunity and gut health while cutting costs and emissions.
Prix Coup de Cœur de CFM Indosuez: Izalgue, turns harmful green algae from Brittany’s beaches into eco-friendly insulation for buildings – transforming waste into a sustainable resource.
Award Spotlight on Africa: Acquaden, empowers small scale farmers by providing innovative, scalable hatchery solutions that enhance productivity, by integrating sustainable farming practices.
These winners exemplify the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration that the Challenge seeks to promote.
IUM: Educating Changemakers
At IUM sustainability is more than a buzzword — it is embedded in the institution’s mission. Through programs in entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible leadership, IUM cultivates a culture where students are encouraged to address global challenges with bold, practical solutions. Participation in initiatives like the MOPC is one of the ways IUM students apply their knowledge beyond the classroom and connect with global movements for environmental change.
MOPC also features a dedicated IUM competition track, supported by Monaco Impact, aimed at engaging Gen Z through digital and social media tools to promote ocean awareness. The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge serves as a powerful reminder that local leadership and international cooperation go hand-in-hand, Monaco continues to demonstrate that innovation and sustainability are not mutually exclusive — they are essential allies. In the face of mounting environmental challenges, IUM and its partners are proving that education, entrepreneurship, and a shared commitment to the Ocean can indeed change the tide.
Updated 15 May 2025